5th Judicial Circuit Court celebrates graduates of 18-month treatment program
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The 5th Judicial Circuit Court’s graduation ceremony was held Monday evening at the Buchanan County Courthouse.
The 18-month program helps participants complete treatment and work toward sobriety. Participants attend self-help meetings, meet with their probation officers and appear before judges.
By the end of the program, participants are expected to have a full-time job and a GED.
Circuit Judge Dan Kellogg said the program gives graduates an opportunity to move forward in their lives while taking accountability
"We been there supporting them. As we go through the program there's a little bit less hands on accountability, and more of what they have to do on their own," he said.
The program helps break the cycle of addiction by introducing participants to the resources in the community.
"At some point, a choice they have to make if that's what they want to do but if they want to they will sit there and reach out," he said. "As you heard, some the others that talked today, it's all about knowing that this is...I know what I need to do, but maybe I don't know how to get there. I'm going to reach out, and I'm not afraid to reach out to these people."
Kellogg said the program impacts the community greatly.
"Someone who comes through this program their working; they have their education. If they have children, they're paying their child support. They're not utilizing emergency room services because they have overdosed," he said. "They are paying their taxes. They're just being a good neighbor to everyone."
The celebration honors the participants and gives their families and friends an opportunity to celebrate their success in the program.
"These are people who had to maybe Narcan their loved one because they've overdosed. They see them at their worst. To be able to celebrate them now at their best and they're back to being the friend, son, daughter and spouse. They know that they can be, and they have before. Now they are going to be again," he said.
Overall, Kellogg said it's a great feeling to see the participants graduate.
